Ohio Med Spas: Peptide Do's and Do Not's
Client Alert
Recent Ohio Board of Pharmacy (“BOP”) guidance has highlighted compliance considerations surrounding the use of peptides in med spas. Owners and operators of med spas will want to keep these considerations in mind as the use of peptides, especially GLP-1 medications, expands.
Certain peptide drugs are FDA approved medications and can be used in med spas. However, not every peptide-based drug is created equal or is approval by the FDA. According to BOP guidance, some peptides, such as Retatrutide, are not currently FDA approved.[1] In addition, many peptide-based drugs, such as Semaglutide or BPC-157 peptides, cannot currently be compounded.[2]
The BOP conducts regular inspections of med spas and has revoked or suspended several med-spa’s TDDD licenses for violations surrounding the use of peptides. The most common violations are purchasing medication from an unlicensed seller, purchasing and utilizing medication marked “for research purposes only,” purchasing non-FDA approved medication, and obtaining foreign sourced medication.
When determining which peptides your med-spa can utilize, it is important to keep the following considerations in mind:
- Only use peptides that are FDA approved.
- Do not purchase peptides from unlicensed sellers.
- Do not use peptides labeled “for research purposes only.”
- Ensure compliance with compounding requirements, including not making prohibited copies of peptides.
- Properly store any peptides prior to their use.
If you have questions regarding BOP compliance or how using peptides may impact your practice, please contact BMD Member Jeana Singleton at jmsingleton@bmdllc.com or 330-253-2001.
[1] Compounding of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Drug Products (GLP-1) in Ohio, Ohio Board of Pharmacy, last accessed April 23, 2026.
[1] Ten Common Prescriber Clinic and Medical Spa Violations, Ohio Board of Pharmacy, last accessed April 23, 2026. See also, Compounding of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Drug Products (GLP-1) in Ohio, Ohio Board of Pharmacy, last accessed April 23, 2026.